Seattle Washington Cerebral Palsy Lawyers
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects its diverse victims in a variety of ways, and presents itself in various combinations and levels of severity. Doctors have identified four main types of cerebral palsy: spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed. Read on for more information about each:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic CP is the most common variation of cerebral palsy. This type of CP is associated with stiff muscles and difficulty moving. The child may have a single or many muscle groups that are tight and that do not move properly. Jerky, stiff or shaky movements are common amongst children with spastic cerebral palsy, as is difficulty grasping and releasing objects. Spastic cerebral palsy affects up to 80 percent of all CP patients.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
The next most common form of cerebral palsy is athetoid CP, which is thought to affect up to ten percent of children with cerebral palsy. This variation of cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary movements that occur without purpose. Coordination and smooth movement are inhibited by damage to the patient's basal ganglia or cerebellum, causing trouble with actions such as speaking, grasping objects, reaching, or walking. Muscle tone is an issue for children with athetoid CP, as are slurred speech and drooling. Athetoid CP mainly affects the upper body, including the arms and face.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy is associated with poor motor coordination and lack of muscle tone in victims. This is the rarest form of CP, affecting only between five and ten percent of all CP patients. Patients with ataxic cerebral palsy experience shaky or jerky movements and usually suffer from inhibited depth perception and balance. Tremor and unstable walking are common in patients with ataxic CP, as is difficulty grasping objects.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
When children sustain damage to the pyramidal and extrapyramidal areas of the brain, they may show signs of mixed cerebral palsy, which affects up to 10 percent of all CP patients. This variety of cerebral palsy is characterized by a mixture of spasticity and involuntary motion and can vary from patient to patient.
If your child suffers from any of the above forms of cerebral palsy, you could be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against the medical provider who caused your child's injuries. The Washington Cerebral Palsy attorneys at the Bernard Law Group are experienced with cerebral palsy lawsuits and have the compassion and expertise needed to support you through the legal process and help you find justice for your child. Contact us today for a free telephone consultation.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS SUFFERED FROM A SERIOUS BIRTH INJURY, CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
